This Week at Clyde Park

A Note from Pastor Ryan

Matthew 16:13-20

Years ago, I noticed that Peter comes to know who Jesus is through an apocalypse.  Yes, I used the word apocalypse because that's what the Greek says. Many of you have heard me say that Apocalypse has taken on a whole lot of meaning not present in the original Greek. People will describe things as apocalyptic when they mean destructive. A google image search shows death destruction and dystopias. 

But the Greek word Apocalypse is translated in English as "revealed." God reveals Jesus' identity to Peter.  

 When Peter says that "You are the Messiah, the Son of the Living God" Jesus replies with "Blessed are you, Simon son of Jonah! For flesh and blood has not revealed this to you but my Father in heaven."  

This is similar to Paul. Paul was raised in the synagogue. He was clearly an amazing student and knew the scriptures very well. Yet all of that did not lead him to a saving relationship with God. Paul needed the blinding light on the road to Damascus- he needed a special revelation that Jesus truly was the son of God.

Two of the leading figures of the church came to know God through a special revelation. Because of this, I think it is important for us to have a lot of humility with our own understanding of God. And it may be helpful with discipleship. So often we think that we can persuade people into the faith or we can persuade people into taking their relationship with the Lord seriously, yet how often has that failed?  Instead, we might do well to pray for God to reveal God's self to those we love. Or perhaps we should pray that those we love would open their eyes and ears to experience God's revelation. 

I'm reminded of lyrics by my friend David Wimbish of The Collection. I often pray something similar to this: "All the friends I know have never ever heard you speak and I know when you speak it brings up life. So would you, pretty please, come speak to all of them and me, growing us collectively into your wife" 

May God reveal God's self to us all building us into the bride of Christ, the church. 

Its Fantasy Football time! 

Men's MInistry is hosting Fantasy Football League. Join today: https://fantasy.espn.com/football/league/join?leagueId=476413219&inviteId=c48e28b6-ef82-432f-8e28-c71886ecb759

Community Dinner: Tater Tot Casserole

All church Annual Mac Wood's Dune Rides

629 N 18th Ave, Mears, MI 49436

- Saturday, 8/22/26

Please sign up in the foyer!! Bring a sack lunch and drink for a picnic. The price for adults and children 12 and up, $25, ages 3-11 years old $15, and 0-2 years are free. We will meet at the church for anyone that would like to carpool and leave at 7:30 a.m. We will all meet at 8:45 a.m. at Mac Wood’s Dune Rides

Michigan Adventure

The Singles ministry is planning an event at Michigan Adventure on Saturday, 8/29/26, to celebrate Pastor John’s 40^th birthday, (group rate if 15 tickets is $40.00 per person) - See Darlene or Chad with questions.

 Cottage Prayer Meeting

 Our Cottage Prayer Meetings meet every other Tuesday at

7:00 p.m. Our next meeting is September 1. 

We meet at

New Amsterdam Village

7905 Cottonwood

 Jenison, MI 49418.

Enjoy singing, a time of prayer and fellowship!

Hope to see you there!

See our poster in the foyer!

Youth Spaghetti Dinner

Join us Wednesday, August 26^th, 5:30-6:30 p.m. for our Youth Fundraiser Spaghetti Dinner. The proceeds of the donations help our youth go to this year’s events!

Prime Timers

Prime Time lunch is the first Tuesday of the month. Mark your calendar, September 1, 12:00 Noon at Russ’, 2340 28^th St. Wyoming. Hope to see you there!